NBA Christmas Day Special | Preview

Unfortunately, in past years Christmas Day has marked the point in time when most begin to pay close attention to the NBA season. But surprisingly this year, with so many great storylines, it seems as if true fans and onlookers alike have been tuned in prior to the year’s biggest holiday. The budding Brooklyn Nets, a resurgent New York Knicks, an absurdly athletic Los Angeles Clippers team, and of course, the reigning league champs Miami Heat are all alluring for to anyone who appreciates the game.

The struggling new look Los Angeles Lakers, a new backcourt in Houston featuring Jeremy Lin and James Harden, and a Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls also equal intrigue for today’s packed NBA schedule. With games starting as early as noon in most areas, the NBA features five great games including last year’s Finals rematch, brewing rivalries, and nostalgic match-ups that have been around for ages.

The first game boasts an incredible head-to-head meeting between the Boston Celtics (13-13) and Brooklyn Nets (14-12). The draw for this game is clearly the matchup between Rajon Rondo and Deron Williams. But beyond that, these two teams could easily see each other again in the playoffs and need key wins as they begin jocking for post-season position. Next up is the Los Angeles Lakers (13-14) facing off against the New York Knicks (20-7). Carmelo Anthony is having an MVP-like season and leading his team in an impressive start to the season which has landed them in second place in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, the Lakers are struggling, bad. Both Bryant and Howard have expressed frustration while Gasol has been benched in key moments in big games. But, if there was anytime for the Lakers to get back on track, it’d be Christmas Day in primetime.

Midway through the day we’ll get the most anticipated game of the day, the Miami Heat (18-6) versus the Oklahoma City Thunder (21-5). Obviously LeBron and Durant will highlight that game but it will also be interesting to see how OKC fares against Miami without James Harden. Both D Wade and Chris Bosh are playing extremely well while Russell Westbrook seems to be developing into the point guard and all around superstar Oklahoma needs him to be to overcome Miami, or whichever Eastern Conference foe continues to threaten their title hopes.

Behind the stellar play of James Harden and Jeremy Lin, the Houston Rockets (14-12) head north to take on the Chicago Bulls (15-11). Leading the NBA in scoring at 105.6 per game, Houston is on a 3 game win streak behind Harden’s 25 a game and consistent play from Lin and Asik, who’ll make his return to Chicago for the first time since being traded by the team. The Bulls, behind Deng and Noah, are proving they are still a contender even without their MVP Derrick Rose.

And lastly, the streaking Los Angeles Clippers (21-6) stop in the Mile High city to visit the Denver Nuggets (15-13). Riding high on a thirteen game win streak, the Clippers are virtually unbeatable when they play to their potential. Led by MVP candidate Chris Paul and the high-flying Blake Griffin, they are finally the best team in LA outright. Meanwhile, Denver is struggling to find an identity but playing well behind Gallinari and Lawson, respectively.

Needless to say today will leave little room for speculation as to where your favorite teams rank among the leagues best. Stars will rise, competition will peak, and December will feel like May. So in between opening gifts, eating, and trying to find the single store in town that’s open for an extra can of cream of mushroom, try not to miss a minute of this remarkable NBA schedule.